In this episode of MI for Change, we open the toolbox and put OARS + I to work—the foundational skills of Motivational Interviewing you can use in sessions today.

You’ll learn how to:

O – Open-ended questions: move beyond “How are you?” to prompts that invite real dialogue (and when to use fewer with tangent-prone clients).

A – Affirmations: spot and name authentic strengths without sounding generic—so buy-in grows naturally.

R – Reflections: from simple to double-sided and amplified, reflect meaning (not just words) to surface ambivalence and elicit change talk.

S – Summaries: tie threads together, redirect respectfully, and set the next-step agenda.

+ I – Information & Advice (AOA): Ask–Offer–Ask to share concerns and guidance with permission—reducing resistance while respecting autonomy.

Real-world stories include parent coaching and classroom scenarios, plus a memorable reflection mishap (tapas vs. topless 😅) that shows why clarifying matters. You’ll hear how these skills turn power struggles into collaboration—and why this MI approach lightens clinician burnout by shifting the responsibility for change back to the client.

Subscribe for upcoming deep dives into the Four Processes and skillful wording you can copy into practice.

Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com

Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout.

📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

In this episode of MI for Change, we dive into the heart of Motivational Interviewing — the spirit and science behind the approach that transforms how we communicate in ABA and mental health.

You’ll learn how to ground your practice in PACE:

✨ Partnership — creating alignment with clients and families.
✨ Autonomy — respecting client choice to reduce resistance.
✨ Compassion — approaching every conversation with curiosity.
✨ Evocation — drawing out solutions instead of prescribing them.

We’ll also explore:

• Why ethics are at the center of MI.
• How to avoid the “fixing reflex” that increases client pushback.
• Real-world examples of MI in parent training and classroom settings.
• Why honoring autonomy and evoking solutions leads to stronger buy-in.

If you’ve ever wondered how to use MI without falling into advice-giving or power struggles, this episode will give you both the framework and practical tools to start right away.

💡 Subscribe now so you don’t miss future episodes — including upcoming deep dives into the ORS skills and other MI techniques.

Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com

Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout.

📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert

Welcome to the very first episode of MI for Change!

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how I discovered Motivational Interviewing during my doctoral training, how it completely changed the way I worked with clients in substance use treatment, and why I knew it had to become part of behavior analysis and mental health practice.

You’ll hear how simple MI techniques transformed client attendance, strengthened rapport, and reduced resistance — not only in addiction work, but also in parent coaching, supervision, and ABA sessions.

We’ll also talk about:

✨ Why traditional approaches can unintentionally increase resistance.
✨ How embedding MI into parent training sessions builds more buy-in.
✨ Why communication style matters just as much as treatment plans.
✨ How MI can reduce burnout for therapists and supervisors.

This episode sets the stage for what’s to come: real stories, practical techniques, and honest conversations about using MI to create meaningful change in ABA and mental health.

If you enjoy this first episode, please hit subscribe, share it with a colleague, and stay tuned for more strategies you can start applying right away.

Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.com

Join the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout.

📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert